A great need to unite the
Muslim sisters, led to the formation of the United
Muslim Women of Canada, in October of 1995. The
UMWC, a subsidiary of the Islamic Humanitarian
Service, is comprised of active and dedicated
sisters - serving in various chapters that have been
established throughout Canada.
Prior to the establishing
of the UMWC, sisters were somewhat confined to
the 'Ladies' Committees' of the local Jamaats or
Institutions. These Jamaats, and therefore the women
therein, lacked the opportunity to become actively
involved in the mainstream societal matters. There was
no mandate to speak up against tyranny or injustice, nor
to promote solidarity among the female adherents to the
noble Ahlul Bait (AS) nationally or internationally, the
UMWC was established. The Sisters setting up the
UMWC, envisaged a body that would be dynamic in
nature which would appeal to other sisters all over
Canada.
Whenever an issue
affecting women surfaces, the UMWC prepares an
appropriate response, in light of the teachings of the
daughter of the Prophet of Islam, Fatimah az-Zahra (AS),
the perfect example for all women..
The void of sisters
nationwide would resound much louder, than on an
individual level from here and there. Therefore, the
UMWC has teen working closely, and shall continue to
do so with the 'Ladies'
Committees' and 'Muslim
Organizations' in each area, and shall coordinate all
activities to ensure that there is no duplication or
wastage of efforts.
|
The Mission
Statement of the United Muslim Women of Canada |
The Mission Statement of
the UMWC identifies the mandate of the sisters
who are involved in this organization. The most
important responsibility at the present time is to
prepare for the return of Imam-e-Zamana (AS).
The remaining articles of
the Mission Statement are directly related to this goal,
and include such items as: encouraging and promoting
education among the sisters by organizing lectures and
workshops on Islamic and Women's issues; promoting links
between women throughout Canada, by joining and
promoting organizations whose mandate concurs with those
of the UMWC; helping to eliminate poverty by
coordinating relief fund raisers for Muslims in the
community and the Muslim Umrnah in general; monitoring
the Media for anti-Islamic propaganda; and ensuring that
the rights of Muslims in general, and women in
particular, are upheld.
To serve the religious,
political, social and economic needs of Muslim sisters
throughout Canada, with the help of Allah S.W.T.
1. To promote education
among the membership, and the sisters in general.
2. To actively participate
In other women's groups and support common objectives.
3. To coordinate
charitable relief activities.
4. Monitor the media and
help dispel misconceptions and stereotypes.
5. Issue information
circulars and / or articles.
6. Speak out against human
rights violations.
7. Prepare for the return
of Imam - e - Zamana al-Mahdi ('a).
|
Some
Activities Undertaken |
Among the activities
undertaken or proposed by some chapters are : fund
raising dinners, food bank collections, clothing and
blanket collections for the needy, sporting events,
writing petitions to the Prime Minister and the United
Nations on important issues such as the massacre in Qana,
Lebanon, in 1996, displays about Hajj, seminars on
"challenges faced by Muslim Women in the West", "The
Significance of Marriage", "Finding Strength and Dignity
through Faith", "Father/Daughter relationships as
exemplified by Lady Sakina and her respected father Imam
Husain ('a)", booklets explaining the month of Ramadhan
(question and answer format for elementary school aged
children), "Living with Hijab" a panel discussion on the
challenged and successes when living within the Islamic
dress code, Family Harmony, support to Muslim women
prisoners, Big Sisters group and many others.
There is never a dull
moment when serving as a volunteer with the United
Muslim Women of Canada.
Each Chapter elects or
selects its own committee with individuals responsible
for specific tasks in that chapter. One sister, as the
chair, manages the Chapter, ensuring that the goals of
the United Muslim Women of Canada are implemented
and reported to the Central Committee. Other positions
in the local board consist of the Secretary, Treasurer,
Public Relations Officer and an Advertising
Representative.
Within each local chapter,
there may be committees or sub-committees responsible
for specific tasks. These committees are headed by
members of the local chapter and one under the direct
supervision of the Chapter Chair, or another board
member as appointed by the Chapter Chair.
In conclusion, it is vital
for Muslim sisters to become aware of, and regain the
dignity bestowed upon them by the Almighty Allah, which
has been lost due to cultural domination, and
colonization. The United Muslim Women of Canada
stands at the forefront of this awakening.
By the grace of the
Almighty Creator, and with the help of Imam-e-Zamana
(may he return soon), it is hoped that the United
Muslim Women of Canada shall be a beacon for all
Muslim Sisters in the western world to emulate in
securing their own rights, appreciating their
responsibilities, all under the umbrella of the Divine
Shariah of Islam.
"And when the Angels
said: O' Mariuml Verily Allah has chosen you and made
you pure, and has preferred you above all the women of
creation. O' Mariuml Be obedient to your Lord, prostrate
yourself and bow with those who bow (in worship."
al-Quran al-Karim (Surah
Ale Imran) 3:42-43
|
To Join the
United Muslim Women of Canada... |
Muslim sisters wishing to
join the United Muslim Women of Canada are
invited to locate a chapter in their vicinity. If there
isn't one in your vicinity, feel free to contact the
Central Committee so as to discuss the formation of one.
Updates from the United
Muslim Women of Canada in regards to their work with
providing Halaal food to the hospitals in Edmonton.
[1] November 2005 -
Letter One |
Letter Two
[2] December 2005 -
UMWC Update Report
